Brillstein Entertainment, Bollywood Star Partner For U.S.-Based Production House (Exclusive)

Ajay Devgn has teamed up with the management firm's Jai Khanna to form Shivalaya Entertainment, which will focus on independent films targeting a global audience.

GOA, India – Brillstein Entertainment Partners and top Bollywood star Ajay Devgn have announced a partnership to form L.A.-based Shivalaya Entertainment, The Hollywood Reporter has learned exclusively. The development and financing outfit will focus on independent films which will aim for broad appeal.

Shivalaya has greenlit its first film, Parched, described as centering on the bitter-sweet journey of women in the parched rural landscape of India. It was written and is to be directed by Leena Yadav. Her credits include 2010's Teen Patti, which starred Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan and Ben Kingsley. Shivalaya will be producing with BEP executive Jai Khanna also serving as producer on the slate.

“At one end, traditional films continue to entertain and make business sense. At the other, there is a resounding presence of some new forms and voices making a mark in this ever expanding medium. I am keen to be a part of that growth, that change,” said Devgn. “I am coming forth to support the independent film process where we can share important stories that need to be told -- global stories that will resonate with international audiences. Our collaboration with Brillstein is an important step in that direction, to ensure we have the best resources from the west to engage a wider audience.”

Khanna said the production house has projects in the pipeline targeted for an international appeal.

“We will also be looking at working on projects with a diversity of talent, American or otherwise, with an aim to reach out to wider audiences," said Khanna. "The stories could be from any culture but with a universal appeal. We at Brillstein are perfectly positioned to bring these kinds of films to the table while packaging the appropriate talent that such stories merit.”

Shivalaya Entertainment will be repped by BEP and Cohen & Gardner in the US.

Devgn is one of India's leading actors with a two decade career which saw him start out as an action star. He is the son of leading Bollywood action director Veeru Devgan. In the nineties, Devgn delivered hits like Dilwale and Suhaag while he won his first National Film Award for best actor with 1998's Zakhm. One of his most memorable performances was seen in 2002's Company where his portrayal of an underworld boss won him the Filmfare Award for best villain.

Devgn established his Bollywood banner Ajay Devgn Films in 2000 which has produced recent hits like Bol Bachchan and Son of Sardar.